The South-West Caucus in the Senate has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Ondo State governor and Chairman of South-West Governors’ Forum, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at the age of 67, describing the passing as a painful loss of monumental proportion.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, Secretary of the Caucus, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, representing Ogun Central, extolled the very many profound contributions of the late governor to national development.
“In the legal profession, he was a towering figure and ranking member as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association. Aketi, as he was fondly called, deployed his prodigious intellect as well as the instrumentality of law to advance the cause of justice and human rights.
“The family of progressive democrats in the country has been depleted and true federalism has lost a strong advocate and voice”, he stated.
Salisu noted that throughout his 6-year tenure as governor, Akeredolu displayed exemplary leadership, focusing on development initiatives that have significantly improved the standard of living and livelihood of the people of Ondo State whom he served till he breathed his last, adding that his legacy as a statesman, democrat, and human rights activist would forever be remembered.
One of his legacies, Salisu stressed, was the establishment of the South-West Security Network, otherwise known as Amotekun, which he championed with his brother governors as chairman of South-West Governors’ Forum, to address security challenges in the zone and further demonstrate the imperative of local policing.
“At this time of mourning, our thoughts and prayers are with Governor Akeredolu’s immediate family, friends, Government, and the people of Ondo State he served diligently”, the caucus stated.
The South-West Senators also condoled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Southern Governors’ Forum, South-West Governor’s Forum, the Senators representing Ondo State, and in particular, Senator Jide Ipinsagba, representing Ondo North Senatorial District, saying “May we all find strength and comfort in the memories of his impactful life.”
“The South-West Caucus in the Senate stands in solidarity with the people of Ondo State and joins the nation in honouring the memory of this exceptional leader. And the best way to honour the memory of Arakunrin is to continue his legacy of service and strengthen the chord of unity and solidarity across the state”, the statement concluded.
